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The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings

The SPAB was founded in 1877. Today it is the largest, and most technically expert national pressure group fighting to save old buildings from decay, demolition and damage.We run training courses; comment on threats to historic buildings; operate a free technical helpline; conduct research; issue advisory publications and campaign on issues like the need for building maintenance.

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Activities & Mission

The SPAB was founded in 1877. Today it is the largest, and most technically expert national pressure group fighting to save old buildings from decay, demolition and damage.We run training courses; comment on threats to historic buildings; operate a free technical helpline; conduct research; issue advisory publications and campaign on issues like the need for building maintenance.

Areas of Operation

Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.

Financial Information

Latest Income
£2,606,185
Latest Expenditure
£1,933,129

Financial Efficiency

Program Ratio 64.9%
% of income going directly to charitable activities
Overall Efficiency 87.4%
% of expenditure going to programs (vs overhead)
Administrative Ratio 14.6%
Overhead (fundraising + governance) as % of total expenditure

Latest Financial Breakdown

Income Sources

Donations & Legacies £1,539,873
Charitable Activities £763,650
Other Trading £174,964
Investments £120,330
Other Income £7,368

Expenditure Categories

Charitable Expenditure £1,690,457
Raising Funds £242,672
Governance £39,308
Grants to Institutions £7,310
Other Expenditure £0

Financial Trend

Annual Returns

As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2024.

Financial YearIncomeExpenditureCharitable SpendingNet AssetsReservesStaff
2024
£2,606,185
£1,933,129£1,690,457£7,062,610£4,623,21522 / 400
2023
£2,344,731
£1,790,104£1,584,956£6,131,777£3,784,31622 / 400
2022
£2,023,768
£1,703,225£1,483,109£5,358,211£2,670,00030 / 400
2021
£1,602,967
£1,874,006£1,579,645£5,470,930£2,510,00030 / 400
2020
£1,341,488
£1,491,334£1,190,148£5,409,323£1,720,00031 / 400

Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers

Frequently asked questions about The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings

What does The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings do?

The SPAB was founded in 1877. Today it is the largest, and most technically expert national pressure group fighting to save old buildings from decay, demolition and damage.We run training courses; comment on threats to historic buildings; operate a free technical helpline; conduct research; issue advisory publications and campaign on issues like the need for building maintenance.

How much income did The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings report in 2024?

The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings reported total income of £2.61m and reported expenditure of £1.93m for the financial year ending 2024, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.

When was The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings registered as a charity?

The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 12 April 2006 as charity number 1113753. It has been registered for 20 years.

Who runs The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings?

The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings is governed by a board of 11 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.

Where does The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings operate?

The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings operates across 3 areas: Northern Ireland, Scotland and England And Wales.

Is The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings a registered charity?

Yes — The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1113753.

Details

Address
SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION
ANCIENT BUILDINGS
37 SPITAL SQUARE
LONDON
E1 6DY
Registration Date
12 April 2006
Status
Registered

Registry Information

Organisation Number
4022687
Charity Number
1113753

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Trustees

Andrew Paul Dalton Walker
Carole Leith
Charles Wagner
Clare Isobel Birks
Also governs 1 other charity
David McFerran
Duncan McCallum
Georgina Ruth Nayler MBE
Lewis Thomas Hobbs
Also governs 2 other charities
Louise Bainbridge
Lucy Emma Newport
Tyler Lott-Johnson

Data & trust

Register data refreshed
30 July 2026
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